Michael W. “Poppy” Anderson

Michael W. “Poppy” Anderson, also known as “Big Mike,” 48, Carthage, passed away early Sunday morning, Sept. 30, 2012 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Michael W. “Poppy” Anderson, also known as “Big Mike,” 48, Carthage, passed away early Sunday morning, Sept. 30, 2012 at his home after a courageous battle with cancer.

Mike was born on June 25, 1964 in Joplin, the son of the late Jerry Anderson and Mary (Collins) Anderson, she survives. He worked as a welder with the Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Union Local #178. He also had worked for Satterlee’s Plumbing and Ozark Crane Company. He belonged to the Northern Hunting Club and Union Sportsman’s Alliance. He loved to hunt and fish but his most favorite and loved pastime was playing with his three grandchildren.

He married Linda Woolsey on Nov. 23, 1999, in Anderson, she survives.

Additional survivors include his mother, Mary Anderson, Joplin; one son, Gary Simmons, Carthage; one daughter, Brandy Weston and her husband, Burt, Webb City; two sisters, Ruth “Cissy” Sperry and her husband, John, Neosho, Carla Anderson, Alameda, Calif.; one brother, James Anderson, Neosho; three grandchildren, Jordan Weston, Kade Weston, and Kyndall Weston; numerous nephews and nieces and extended family; his loving companion; his yellow lab, “Zoey.”Funeral services have been scheduled for 2 p.m. Thursday, at the Mason-Woodard Mortuary Chapel. Rev. Dalton Windsor will be officiating. Burial will follow at Peace Valley Cemetery in Anderson. The pallbearers, James Anderson, Todd Hunter, Ken Butler, Kevin Chew, Raymond Chew, Brandon Chew, Phil Jones, and Bill Stross will be wearing “Blue Jeans and Camo” at Mike’s request. The family request that anyone that would like may wear blue jeans and camo.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 to 7 p.m. Wednesday. Memorial contributions may be given to a scholarship fund for the Anderson grandchildren in care of the mortuary.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary & Crematory, Joplin.